Woodland creatures prepare for winter in different ways
By Kathy Schwartz
With the onset of colder temperatures and the possibility of snow, where do the woodland creatures go? You might be surprised to find that many stay right at home. Some migrate to other areas near or far, some hibernate, some adjust their lifestyle, and others go about their daily business as if nothing has changed. It should be noted here that the weather is the determining factor in some instances. If the temperatures are mild and snowfall minimal, the animals may choose to stay. Nature has provided each of them a way to cope with the trials of winter weather.
GEESE
The fall air is filled with the sounds of the flocks as they head south to warmer weather. There are a few resident geese that may choose to stay in the area if there is open water and food available.
DEER
During the ate fall and winter months, the number of deer in the park increase. When the fields surrounding the park are harvested, deer migrate into the forest of Ouabache. When the oaks drop their acorns, the deer forage under the oaks to gain some extra insulation for the cold temperatures.
RACCOONS
Raccoons do not hibernate but grow thick heavy coats that protect them from the cold. They do sleep longer periods of time in their dens but can be seen searching for food in mild weather.
SQUIRRELS
Though not seen as easily in winter, squirrels are active inside their homes in trees. They gather food during the fall and store for easy access during the winter months.
CARDINALS
This colorful bird can be seen more readily during the winter months, for its bright red coloring contrasts greatly against the snow-covered forest.
PURPLE MARTINS
Say goodbye to the purple martins as they head south to warmer weather. You won’t see them until early spring when the scouts are sent ahead to find nesting opportunities.
BLUEBIRDS AND ROBINS
It is often thought that the robins and bluebirds return in the spring, but they don’t migrate. Instead, they huddle together deep in the woods where berries and insects can be found.
RED-TAILED HAWKS
This bird of prey can be seen year-round looking for a tasty morsel.
WOODPECKERS
All varieties can be seen and heard throughout the park in the winter.
OPOSSUM
Because their fur is thinner and does not provide much insulation against frigid temperatures, opossum seldom venture out of their homes and tend to take very long naps.
MICE
Mice leave tail tracks in newly fallen snow as they search for food and take shelter below the snow. Owls are continually listening for the sound of rustling leaves that indicate a mouse may be near.
CHIPMUNK
Chipmunks do hibernate until temperatures are warm and the snow goes away.
GOLDFINCH
You might think that the goldfinch migrates for the winter, but they simply change color.
The bright yellow is replaced by a dull gray-brown.
WRENS
Wrens tend to move south to warmer weather while others stay close to home.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS
Because they migrate to the southern United States, the red-winged blackbirds are a sure sign of spring as they return from their winter homes.
TURKEY
The sounds of the turkeys can be heard throughout the winter. They take refuge under fir trees and are constantly searching for food.
TURKEY VULTURES
You will not see these carrion species during the winter months. They relocate to the south.
BATS
Bats hibernate in groups and wait until food supplies are available before they wake up. Females are known to migrate to warmer temperatures because food supplies are available in early spring for their newborns.
BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS
Insects winter in various forms, from chrysalis or cocoons, larva or adults. They often take refuge in piles of fallen leaves, cracks in tree bark or rock crevices.
BEES
Bees form winter clusters within their hives when the temperatures go below 50 degrees.
OWLS
Owls can be seen year-round at Ouabache. There’s nothing like a moonlight walk to call in the owls from their snowy perch.
FISH
As the lake freezes the fish go to deeper areas of the lake. Ice fisherman can be seen on the lake when it is deemed safe.
FROGS, TOADS, SNAKES
Amphibians head into the earth as the temperatures drop. Being cold-blooded, they need to reach a depth that allows them to survive until the soil above them warms with the spring sunshine.
BISON
Bison are very adaptable animals and can survive temperatures as low as -40 degrees. They become very fluffy cows. Their winter coats are thick with coarse guard hairs that protect against the wind. They will shed this fur every spring.
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